By Dan Ambrose: Despite the fact that former WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (36-2, 32 KO’s) is no longer a title holder and is coming off of alcohol rehab, he reportedly wants huge cash to fight unbeaten 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist super middleweight James DeGale (9-0, 7 KO’s).

According to frankwarren.tv, Pavlik wants between $3 million to $4 million to face the inexperienced DeGale. That’s the kind of money that Pavlik was making as a champion. However, now that he’s no longer a champion, it would seem that he needs to downsize his requested purses. Pavlik was soundly beaten by Sergio Martinez last year in April, and would likely lose again if they were to fight.

Frank Warren, the promoter for DeGale, recently said he would make a fight between DeGale and Pavlik if the opportunity was there. However, judging by how much Pavlik wants for the fight, he sees DeGale as a huge risk. He should, because DeGale has the talent and the style to beat him if he were able to get a fight.

DeGale is excellent at dodging shots, as he showed in his recent 9th round TKO win over Paul Smith on December 11th. DeGale also has good power and throws combinations. Pavlik would do well to avoid guys like DeGale and focus on going back to facing the limited plodders that he has fought for most of his career. Pavlik looks great against fighters that stand in front of him or come at him, but he fights terribly when he faces someone that moves and uses and in and out style of attack.